Before You Begin (Post-Admission Process)

On your own 

• My.boisestate.edu account

When your application was originally processed, you received a notification letter from the Graduate College containing your username, student ID number, and Boise State email address. Set up your my.boisestate account by going to my.boisestate.edu using the login information provided in the letter. My.boisestate.edu is your source for all of your campus information. You can access your email, calendar, course websites, student center, and much more through this portal.

• Email

Boise State students receive email via BroncoMail. Your BroncoMail address is typically your first and last name followed by @u.boisestate.edu. As a graduate assistant, you will also receive an employee email address. Employee email addresses are typically the employee’s first and last name followed by @boisestate.edu. Employee email accounts are immediately deactivated if your employment is suspended (e.g., you receive a fellowship or there is any lapse in your funding). Thus, we recommend that you use your BroncoMail email account as your primary account and forward your employee email to your BroncoMail account. You are responsible for checking both accounts.

• Housing

Limited apartment housing is available on and near campus through University Housing however you must apply early. 

Some off-campus listings, sub-lease, and roommate postings can be found on https://rentoffcampus.boisestate.edu/

The Boise Chamber of Commerce has information and resources about moving to Boise that may be helpful. 

If you are using Craigslist or Classified Ads, common searches for housing near the university (less than three miles away from campus) include BSU, Downtown Boise, East End, North End, the Bench, and Southeast Boise. 

• Register for courses online

  • Students can begin enrolling in courses as soon as they have a valid enrollment appointment. You can check yours by following the instructions here: https://www.boisestate.edu/registrar-help/view-enrollment-appointment/

  • Please review the degree requirements and flow charts for your area of emphasis to determine what you need to enroll in for fall semester. Visit the program website and select your area under the “Emphases Areas” section. 

  • Detailed instructions on how to search for and add courses are available here: https://www.boisestate.edu/registrar-help/search-classes/

  • All new students are required to enroll in COMPUT 601 Introduction to Graduate Studies. 

  • (Graduate Assistants) Graduate College policy requires domestic students with an assistantship take at least five (5) credits, while international students with an assistantship must take at least nine (9) credits.

The co-directors will discuss degree requirements in further depth during orientation and you’ll prepare a detailed degree plan mapping out your course work and milestones like the comprehensive exam and dissertation proposal. 

With your Major Advisor and the Program Coordinator

• Graduate Assistants - Coordinate your employment start date with your major advisor or the Program Coordinator. 

Most students on graduate assistantships will have a work start date one week before the first day of classes of the designated semester. Graduate assistants will receive email communication about training and information sessions scheduled for the week before classes. 

1. Visit the Program Coordinator

Brenda Baker is the Computing PhD Program Coordinator. Her office is located in downtown Boise in the City Center Plaza Building, Room 353. The Program Coordinator can provide you with information and guidance on room and building access, payroll and resources available to you. Labs, workspace and other resources will vary based on your area of emphasis. 

2. Complete your employment documents (for students with a Graduate Assistantship) 

Some items (Federal Form I-9, Employee Information Form) must be completed on or before your first day of employment. Other items (W-4 Tax Form, Direct Deposit, and Compliance Certification) must be completed immediately after you begin employment. Check the Boise State New Employee website for a complete listing of immediate action items. Please be aware that the hiring process does include a background check. 

**Note: Tax rates on paychecks will fluctuate throughout the year. During the summer (or anytime you are not enrolled as a student), taxes are withheld at a higher percentage than during periods of student enrollment.** 

3. Obtain your "Bronco Card" (your official Boise State University identification card)

After completing your employment documents at Human Resources, take your Student ID # and valid photo ID to the Information Desk in the Student Union Building to obtain your BroncoCard. Your BroncoCard gives you card reader access to City Center Plaza, select laboratories and study areas. You will use your BroncoCard to access the Recreation Center, purchase meal plans, and more.

Find out more about obtaining your BroncoCard here: https://www.boisestate.edu/infodesk/

4. Purchase a Parking Pass if you plan to park on campus 

Parking on University Drive and other city-maintained streets is permitted without a Boise State parking permit. Signs posted on city-maintained streets describe any restrictions. Otherwise, parking on campus requires a Boise State parking permit. 

Access information about parking permits and find out more about transportation options here: https://www.boisestate.edu/publicsafety-transportation/

**Students who will work in Computer Science facilities in Downtown Boise should review the specific transportation and parking options available for City Center Plaza.